The Library University of Colombo Sri Lanka

09/07/2026

𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕒𝕝𝕒 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞

In commemoration of the sacred Poson Poya, the University of Colombo Library organised a Dansal on 2 July 2026, beginning at 2.30 p.m., as an act of generosity and community service.

Bread, dhal curry, and pol sambol were served to participants, reflecting the spirit of dāna and compassion associated with the Poson season.

The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor, the Librarian, several Deans, and members of the academic and administrative staff. Non -academic staff, students, and well-wishers, whose presence added great significance to the occasion.

The University of Colombo Library extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed their time, effort, and support to make this meaningful community initiative a success. May the blessings of Poson inspire us all to continue serving others with kindness, generosity, and harmony.

03/07/2026

𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕕 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕋𝕒𝕝𝕜 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕌𝕟𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕠𝕗 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕞𝕓𝕠 𝕃𝕚𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕤 𝔸𝕟𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕊𝕣𝕚 𝕃𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕒𝕟 ℂ𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤

The third session of the Book Talk Series, organized by the Library of the University of Colombo, was held on 24 June 2026 at the Learning Commons of the Main Library. The session featured the book අතීත ලංකාවේ අණබෙරය හා නූතන සන්නිවේදන න්‍යාය authored by Professor Anuththaradevi Widyalankara.

During the session, Professor Widyalankara presented the research underpinning her publication and discussed its central themes, offering valuable insights into the relationship between communication practices in ancient Sri Lanka and contemporary communication theory. Her presentation highlighted the relevance of historical communication systems in understanding modern theoretical perspectives, stimulating thoughtful discussion among participants.

The interactive event attracted the participation of academic staff and students, fostering meaningful dialogue and encouraging greater interest in scholarly reading, research, and interdisciplinary learning.

As a gesture of support for the University's academic resources, Professor Widyalankara donated copies of her book to the University of Colombo Library.

The event was organized by the Senior Assistant Librarian representative / Faculty of Arts in codllaboration with the Faculty of Arts Library Committee, with the support of the Library staff, as part of the Library's ongoing initiative to promote intellectual engagement and a vibrant reading culture within the University community.

25/06/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐭

The Main Library of the University of Colombo successfully conducted an awareness session on the Smart Library, Stocktaking, Auditing and Shelving Assistant (SLASA) Toolkit on 18th June 2026 at the Main Library Auditorium.

The session was facilitated by Mr. Harsha Balasooriya, Senior Assistant Librarian of the Open University of Sri Lanka and the developer of the SLASA Toolkit. The programme introduced participants to the capabilities of the innovative software solution designed to support library stock verification, shelf management, auditing, and collection maintenance activities.

The event commenced with an experience-sharing discussion on current library stocktaking practices and the implications of the recently introduced University Grants Commission (UGC) circular on stock verification. Participants exchanged insights on existing challenges and explored opportunities for enhancing inventory management processes within academic libraries. Mr. Balasooriya then provided a comprehensive overview of the SLASA Toolkit, highlighting its key features and demonstrating how the software can streamline inventory auditing and shelf analytics. The presentation emphasised the role of technology-driven solutions in improving the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of library inventory management.

A practical hands-on session followed, allowing participants to gain direct experience with the software and explore its functionality in a real-world library context. The programme concluded with an interactive feedback session, during which participants shared valuable suggestions and discussed potential future enhancements to the toolkit.

The awareness session attracted a large number of library staff members, who actively participated in discussions and knowledge-sharing throughout the programme. Organised by the Training and Skill Development Domain of the Library, University of Colombo, the event provided a valuable platform for promoting innovative approaches to library stock management while encouraging the adoption of technology-driven solutions to enhance collection maintenance and operational efficiency in academic libraries.

23/06/2026

හෙට දින 23.06.2026

20/06/2026

15/06/2026

💚💚💚𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮: 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙞𝙧𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙙𝙤𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 – 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙤 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 3 💚💚💚

In commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, the Main Library of the University of Colombo successfully hosted the third session of the Colombo Discourse 2026 series on 11th June 2026 at the Learning Commons of the Main Library.

Mr. Janaka Wijesekera was engaged in the discourse under the topic of “Nature as the Greatest Library: Exploring Circular Wisdom for a Sustainable Future.” He is well renowned in this field and is a Chartered Environmental Professional, Waste Management Specialist, and Circular Economy Practitioner. The session was moderated by Mr. T. Ramanan, Senior Assistant Librarian, University of Colombo.

The discourse examined the concept of nature as a dynamic repository of knowledge and explored how ecological systems embody principles of sustainability, resilience, and circularity. Drawing upon contemporary environmental scholarship and practical experiences in waste management and circular economy implementation, the speaker highlighted the relevance of nature-inspired approaches to addressing pressing global environmental challenges.

Particular emphasis was placed on the principles of the circular economy, sustainable resource management, waste minimisation, and the transition from linear consumption models to regenerative systems. The discussion further underscored the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge, evidence-based decision-making, and collective responsibility in fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Mr Wijesekera is an ardent reader and he supported his arguments from authors like Adam Smith (An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations), Jared Diamond (Guns, Germs and Steel and The Collapse), and Robert D. Kaplan (Monsoons).

The session attracted the participation of academics, researchers, students, librarians, and administrative staff, who engaged in a stimulating exchange of ideas on resource conservation, ecological sustainability, and the role of knowledge institutions in advancing environmental awareness and action. The interactive discussion provided a valuable platform for critical reflection on the integration of sustainability principles into both academic discourse and institutional practice.

The event was organised by the SDG and Green Initiatives Domain of the Main Library, University of Colombo, in collaboration with the library staff, reaffirming the Library’s commitment to promoting sustainability, environmental literacy, and The the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through scholarly engagement and community outreach.

08/06/2026

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026

06/06/2026

𝐀 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲

27/05/2026

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗲𝗿𝗮: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲?

A discourse on "Redefining Academic Integrity in the AI era: Where do we draw the line?" was held on 24th May 2026 from 10.00 AM to 02.00 PM at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo. The program was organized and coordinated by Dr. N.M. Karannagoda, Senior Assistant Librarian, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Library. The discourse was moderated by Mr. T. Ramanan, Senior Assistant Librarian, Main Library, University of Colombo. The program was conducted in the light of strengthening the discussions on the AI policy.

The event was graced by Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo. Additionally, Professor Vajira Dissanayake, Dean of Medical Faculty, Professor H.M. Nihala Hennayake, Dean of FMF and FGS, Dr. Kalpana Manatunga, Acting Librarian, and Professor Chaminda Padmakumara, Director of Studies, FGS.
Professor Karunathilake delivered the Chief Guest’s speech to the audience and appreciated the initiative by the FGS. Professor Hennayake and Dr. Manatunga also addressed the gathering with their visionary thoughts.

The discourse was then ceremonially started with the following renowned academics: Professor K. P. Hewagamage, University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC); Professor Pavithra Kailasapathy, Faculty of Management and Finance (FMF), University of Colombo; Senior Professor (Chair) Arosha S. Adikaram, Faculty of Management and Finance (FMF), University of Colombo; and Professor K.S. Lasith Gunawardana, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Professor Hewagamage emphasized on the exploitation of AI tools with due responsibility, which he sternly believes emerges from one’s commitment to academic integrity without compromising human intelligence. Professor Kailasapathy shared her insights on danger of adopting indiscriminate application of AI tools, thus striking a healthy balance in assessment. Meanwhile, Chair Professor Adikaram pointed out the challenges in maintaining the quality of scholarly communications and review processes amidst the cascade of AI tools. Professor Gunawaradana shed light on the importance of developing a strong AI literacy module from the beginning of any academic program. Overall, all the panelists are consensual on embracing the changing technological advancement, hence, AI use is inevitable in the modern teaching and learning activities in universities in Sri Lanka. Therefore, AI literacy modules and policy framework shall address the degree of acceptable AI use among researchers, detection mechanisms to be implemented, and responsibilities of teachers and students. At the end of the discourse, participants enthusiastically engaged with the panelists by asking questions in relevant areas. The event was successfully concluded with a token of appreciation to the panelists and participants.